La Forge de l'Abbaye

The setting is lovely, right in the countryside, but the stay fell short for us. Two big dogs were kept in the courtyard all day and night, barking constantly and trying to get onto the sunny terrace. We couldn't enjoy it, and our small dog could even have been bitten. It also made me wonder how safe it would feel with a little child around. Our room was adequate, though the bathroom blind was broken and couldn't be raised, the shower had no curtain, and getting TV channels was difficult. Breakfast at the castle was in a pleasant room, but we had to ask for bread because there was none left when we arrived. Such a beautiful location, but the service was far below par. A real shame.

The owner was friendly, and breakfast was plentiful. Still, the courtyard dog's barking ruined the peace, so don't count on relaxing on the terrace. The electric awning was broken too, and apparently this wasn't the first time.

There's a lovely, well-equipped living room and kitchen, plus a nice terrace. The gîte can sleep 14 people, and breakfast is available on site. The rooms are spacious, the bed was comfortable, and I chose one with a shower since some have baths. The photos show the place well. The dogs in the courtyard next to the terrace woke me at 2:30 at night. They really should be brought in overnight. I took off two stars because leaving dogs outside beside a gîte at night doesn't feel professional. You're there to relax or get some rest.

The Château de la Motte restaurant is only a few steps away, and having a meal there is a real treat. The owner is also happy to share his favorite walking and cycling routes, which are varied and still unspoiled around this region. We've stayed here several times over the years, and it's always a pleasure. Every room has felt comfortable, and the peaceful setting is perfect for relaxing. The welcome is warm, the bedding is good quality, and there's a TV and DVD player. We stayed during the week of December 1, 2014, and we'll keep this place in mind for future trips.